►►►其它中学

Wells Cathedral School 威尔士教堂中学,威尔士教堂学校

Wells, Somerset BA5 2ST
Tel: 01749 834200 Fax: 01749 834201
 
• CO-ED, 3–18 Day, 7–18 Boarding
• Pupils 713, Upper sixth 91
• Termly fees £3150–£3730 (Day), £5250–£6230 (Boarding)
• HMC, IAPS, SHA, CSA
• Enquiries/application to the Registrar

WHAT IT’S LIKE
Founded in the 12th century, the school has one of the finest sites in Europe, on the edge of Wells and a little to the north of the Cathedral. It occupies all but one of the medieval and 18th-century buildings of The Liberty, in a conservation area around the Cathedral. There are also lovely walled gardens and an area of parkland used for playing fields. The school is well equipped with modern facilities and accommodation, including laboratories, libraries and a big music school. Academic standards are high and examination results good. It is fully co-educational, having accepted girls since 1969. An ancient church school, there are close links with the Cathedral and worship in the Anglican tradition is encouraged. It is one of the few specialist music schools under the government’s Music & Dance Scheme and the only one which is part of a traditional school. Many pupils are involved in choirs, orchestras and bands and well over 400 learn one or more instruments. The drama department is also strong. There is a broad range of games and sports available and a large and varied number of extra-curricular activities. The CCF has an active contingent and there is a sizeable community service group. There is a good record in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and outdoor pursuits form an integral part of the school curriculum.


SCHOOL PROFILE

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 3–18; 713 pupils, 513 day (254 boys, 259 girls), 200 boarders (94 boys, 106 girls). Senior department 11–18; 491 pupils (251 boys, 240 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. 20% senior intake from state schools (plus 10% to sixth form); 80% from own junior (enquiries to Wells Cathedral Junior School, 8 New Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2LQ, tel 10749 834400, fax 01749 834401).

Scholarships & bursaries Academic scholarships awarded at 11, 13 and 16. Music scholarships and aided places (under the government Music & Dance Scheme); bursaries for cathedral choristers (from Dean & Chapter). Some boarding and other bursaries may be available.

Head & staff
Head: Elizabeth Cairncross, in post since 2000. Educated at Reigate County Grammar School and University College London (English). Previously Deputy Head at Christ’s Hospital, Tutor for Girls at Kingston Grammar and taught at King Edward’s, Witley.
Teaching staff: 48 full time, 55 visiting music teachers. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 40.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 90 pupils in Year 11, 95% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 56 (55 over 5 years).
A-levels: 90 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 323.

University & college entrance 99% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course at university or music college (18% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 37% in science & engineering, 15% in humanities & social sciences, 42% in arts, including music. Others typically go on to banking, retail management, art or music courses.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 36 GCSE subjects, 26 AS-level, 21 A-level.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (some over 2 years), 3 at A-level (most music specialists only take 2 A-levels); general studies is not taken. 40% take science/maths A-levels; 41% arts/humanities; 19% both. Key skills: ICT level 3 taught as a discrete unit.
Vocational: Work experience available.
Special provision: EFL and help for pupils who are dyslexic or mildly visually handicapped.
Languages: French, German, Italian and Latin offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (1 lesson/week Years 7–9) and across the curriculum. Few sixth form take Clait. 30–40 computers for use by pupils 10 hours a day, in 5 different clusters (central computer room and 4 faculty based), most with internet and e-mail access.

The arts
Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument (violin is part of the curriculum in pre-prep); instrumental exams can be taken. Some 50 musical groups including chamber ensembles, choirs, orchestras, bands. Pupils have been recent winners of Audi Young Musician competition, finalists in BBC Young Musician, several in eg National Youth Orchestra, National Children’s Orchestra; cups and trophies at Taunton Festival; recent winner professional trumpet competition, choral scholarship to Cambridge, Wells Cathedral organ scholarship. Strong links with conservatoires. Regular masterclasses and recitals by nationally and internationally acclaimed performers.

Drama & dance: Both offered. GCSE and A-level theatre studies, LAMDA, Associated Guilds exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. 2 pupils to drama school most years. Annual Shakespeare and musical (The Tempest and Turn of the Screw on Edinburgh Fringe 2000).
Art & design: On average, 18 take GCSE, 4 A-level. Pottery also offered. Recent successes: pupils direct entry to Slade and Ruskin, BP National Portrait Gallery Competition winner.

Sport & activities
Sport: Rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, rounders, swimming etc compulsory. Optional: golf, athletics, badminton, outdoor pursuits, riding. Sixth form only: squash, soccer, volleyball, basketball. GCSE and A-level may be taken. Various sporting successes, county representatives each year.
Activities: Pupils take silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Optional CCF (winners National Artillery Tremlett Trophy) and community service; annual weekend teaming up able-bodied child with handicapped one. Over 30 clubs, eg photography, calligraphy, literary, debating, tapestry, Young Enterprise.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn; smart dress in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects – appointed and elected by staff and school.
Religion: Daily assemblies; the school worships in Cathedral weekly.
Social: Debates, prefects’ conferences, sport, sixth-form society. Organised trips abroad and exchange systems. Day pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Aims to be firm and fair. Involvement with illegal drugs is likely to lead to a pupil being required to leave the school.

Boarding Few single study bedrooms, 70% share (with 1 or 2); 5% are in dormitories of 6+. Single-sex houses of 27–54, divided by age group (middle and senior). Resident qualified nurse and school doctor. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook snacks. 2 exeats each term of 1_ days (11–14); flexible policy in upper school. Visits to local town allowed with permission.

Alumni association (Old Wellensians) is run by Alwyn Gillen, c/o the school.